Meliora International Film Festival is an event on a mission to make the world a better place. Meliora is a Latin adjective meaning: to heal, to help, to make better; or to be in the pursuit of better things.

We want to acknowledge any and all work that aims to make the world a better place. Does your movie make people smile or laugh? Does you movie bring hope or inspiration? Does your movie bring knowledge or awareness about climate change, poverty, human rights, mental health, personal empowerment, LGBTQ+ stories, or anything else you want to start a conversation about - we want to see it!

Meliora works in partnership with various charities and organizations to promote them along side our festival categories. We also have a jam packed schedule! Complete with a Welcome Party, Film Screenings, Industry Panel Q&A, and Awards Ceremony. Best of all, it's in New York City!

We want Meliora to be accessible to as many filmmakers as possible, we're open to allowing films from any time or any distribution status. Message us anytime at meliorafilms25@gmail.com for details or questions.

Meliora is now hosting our very own ORIGINAL FILM COMPETITION with an annual theme, see our submission categories for details!

Awards & Prizes

Filmmaker Prizes:
Grand Prize - Cash Prize! To be split between the winning filmmaker & the approved charity of the winners choice.
Second Place - Dinner in New York City with a renowned industry guest.
Third Place - Movie ticket gift card
Competition Winner - B&H Gift Card

All of the following categories will be awarded an Official MIFF Trophy
Best Feature Film
Best Short Film
Best Documentary
Best Foreign Film
Best Animation
Best Cinematography
Best Script
Best Director
Best Actress
Best Actor
Best Supporting Actress
Best Supporting Actor
Best Ensemble Cast
Best Score
Best Song
Best Editing
Best Comedy
Best Original Screenplay
Outstanding Design

Lifetime Achievement

*Unclaimed awards can be picked up in NYC for a limited time after the awards ceremony on Nov. 15th 2026 - or can be shipped for an additional cost.*

Rules & Terms

By submitting your film to the Meliora International Film Festival, you agree to grant the festival the right to screen your film during the festival dates, as well as in any promotional material related to the event. You confirm that you have obtained all necessary rights, licenses, and permissions for the content of your film and its screening. The festival reserves the right to use excerpts from your film for promotional purposes, and you agree to cross promote on social media should you be accepted. You also acknowledge and agree that no hate speech, bullying, or unwanted behavior of any kind will be tolerated during the festival or during any related events. The festival organizers reserve the right to remove any individual or film that violates this policy, without refund or compensation. Additionally, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless the festival organizers from any claims, damages, or liabilities arising from your film or its screening.

All submissions must be either films or scripts. No branded commercials, music videos, or PSAs at this time unless branding can be removed and sent in proper format.

Meliora IFF will send an email to explain what they need from each filmmaker upon acceptance. They kindly request that you reply to that email asap if you receive it. Upon being accepted, all filmmakers must send in a DCP of their film no later than October 15th 2026 to the email address that will be provided. (If there is only a high res copy of the film, a DCP can be created for a possible extra cost.)

Meliora International Film Festival reserves the right to revoke acceptances for any films without a DCP - or for reasons they see fit at any time. Meliora International Film Festival does NOT provide compensation of any kind to filmmakers for screening.

7 Reviews
Overall Rating
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Networking
  • Tom Awender

    Meliora is a really lovely festival run by three very dedicated women. We loved premiering our film “Midnight Blue” at their festival. It played alongside some incredible competition. I will definitely be submitting another film this year!

    February 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    It was great to feature "Midnight Blue"! Thanks Tom, we hope to see you there with us again this year.

  • Shoshanna Withers

    Meliora International Film Festival was such a beautiful experience. The programming was thoughtful, the energy was supportive, and every film felt like it was chosen with real intention. The team created a space where filmmakers were truly celebrated, not just screened.

    From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed, seen, and part of a community that cares deeply about storytelling. Our film was shown with such care, and the audience engagement was incredible. Meliora is the kind of festival that reminds you why you create in the first place. I’m grateful I got to be part of it and cannot wait to return.

    November 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for this beautiful review Shoshanna, we were so happy that "Muffin Boy" brought so much laughter to our festival ~ and much needed levity to the world! We can't wait to see ... anything you are a part of!

  • Bob Celli

    Big thank you to Jenilyn, Raquel, and Cara for including Figs For Italo for your inaugural year. Thank you for giving independent filmmakers another great festival to share their work. Your communication was stellar and I know your festival will be around for years to come. Congratulations, you rocked your first year!!

    November 2024
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    "Figs For Italo" was our 2nd place grand prize winner!!! And it was absolutely breathtaking. Incredible work Bob. Thank YOU for screening with us!! (And that dinner you won with the celebrity guest was amazingggg).

  • Katie Trubetsky

    This festival was absolutely wonderful! I’m very grateful to have won for my film “Her rain” for best script, and the trophy was beautiful! But also the amount of exciting, valuable, and just overall kindness and beauty this festival presented, I will definitely be submitting next time for my next project!

    November 2024
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Congratulations on your win Katie ~ "Her Rain" was gorgeous and we were happy to have it in our first ever festival! We're excited to see the filmed version too! And whatever else you create.

  • Elroy Martinez Jr.

    A great first year for the festival! They really went out their way to deliver and succeeded. I recommend this festival highly!

    November 2024
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    So glad that we could feature your work in both years Meliora has been running - congratulations on your nominations and wins!! Looking forward to see what else you create!